Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-06-20
ads Rob an lcast-bound Cali
,rnia Express Train.

-.rnia Express Train.
Copyright 1887, by ae California Associated Press.
ScHULENBURe TEX, June 1Sth.-When
the east-bound California express on the
Southern Pacific Railroad arrived here at
O'Clock this morning, nearly an hour be-
hind time, the engineer gave four long and
loud whistles, indicating an alarm of dis
tress. The Town Marshal and few other
citizens were soon at the depot, and learned
that the train had been robbed.
b. A. Pickens, the engineer, said that
upon leaving the depot at Flatonia he saw
man whom he took for a tramp or a
drunkard crawling up on the coal in the
tender. Pickens asked him what his busi-
ness was, when the man arose, presented q
pistol at the engineer and told him to be
quiet and stop the train when commanded
to do so. The man then called "Dick, +"
an accomplice who was concealed between
the tender and the express car. The en-
glneer was told to stop on short bridge a
mile and half this side of Flatonia, which
he did.
A small fire was burning on the side of
the railway bridge to indicate the stopping
place. The two robbers were Joined by
four or five accomplices. The engineer and
tirmen were marched off the cab and told
to wait further orders. The robbers then
proceeded to make further search of the
express car. While they were doing so
the engineer stole away to the first passen-
ger coach and told the passengers to con-
ceal their valuables
NJ. E. Folger had charge of Wells, Fargo
d Co.'s express, and tried TO save portion
of his money by throwing it into the stove.
He was caught in the act, however, and
was given two or three blows over the head
with pistol for his trouble. Folger ad-
mitted that the robbers got about $400 from
him, but the amount was evidently much
larger.
After going through the express and
mail cars, the robbers turned their atten-
ton to the passengers, none of whom were
overlooked or slighted even the newsboy
was robbed of his nickels. One old gentle
man sleeping in his berth was awakened,
and, reaching under his pillow for his valu-
ables, was struck senseless by pistol in
the hands of one of the robbers. The rob-
bers then secured from under the pillow a
well-filled purse
The Sheriff SAYS that while the robbers
were going through the forward cars the
colored porter extinguished all the lights in
the sleeper, but it was useless, as when the
robbers entered the sleeper they compelled
the brakeman to go ahead with a lantern
and stop at every berth.
Colonel Quintos, of the Mexican army,
was among the passengers, accompanied
by young Lieutenant. When he learned
the train was being robbed, he called to his
Lieutenant to bring him his pistols quick
and he would kill ali the robbers Mrs
White, the Sberif's wife, who understands
Spanish, Immediately cried out to the Col
onel, telling him if he valued his life to
remain in the car and give up his money,
as the robbers had every advantage.
A few moments afterwards the robbers
came along with the brakeman before
them carrying a lantern. One of the gang
pulled the curtain back, exposing the Mex
lean officer to the gaze of Captain Dick,
the leader of the gang, who was compla-
Gently sucking a huge stick of candy held
in his left hand, while with the other hand
he covered the Mexican with a big six
shooter. When the bandit Captain saw the
Mexican he told him to disgorge, remark
ing by way of emphasis that he would as
soon kill a Greaser as eat his breakfast, and
hitting him on the head with his revolver.
The robbers were very rough and ugly in
their treatment, even striking a lady pas
senger who was slow in finding her pocket
book.
1t is estimated tonight that the robbers
obtained less than $4,000 in money, be-
sides much valuable jewelry. Up to late
hooA ~ news Ddu pSeH feCeINeu regarding
the hunt after the robbers, and there is
scarcely doubt that they are safely in
Mexico by this time.
Several drummers from New York and
Galveston were in the sleeper and were all
robbed, nearly every one of them receiving
brutal treatment. Conductor Lyons con-
cealed his gold watch and most of mis-
money. Max Stokes, drummer, gave the
robbers $24 and saved $3.50 and his gold
watch. A young Englishman in the sleep
ing car, whose name could not be learned,
refused at first to give up his money but
finally after being severely beaten about
the head and neck with pistol, he gave up
81 coo, all the money he had. The train
carried no local mail, but several through
pouches were cut open and rifed There
was no shooting during the robbery.